CHILDREN are paying the price of the recession in hunger and deprivation, charity bosses say.

Two large-scale surveys have revealed that one in six youngsters in the poorest families in Scotland are going to bed hungry.

And the same number say that they often feel run-down or unwell because of poor diet and living conditions.

Around three-fifths of the low-income families have had to cut their food spending in the last year, according to research from Save The Children.

Almost 40 per cent of parents in the worst-off families report they are stressed and constantly worry about how to make ends meet.

Around a quarter of low-income parents frequently skip meals and one in seven children in these families regularly do not get enough to eat.

As food prices rocket, around three-fifths of low-income parents have less than £30 a week to spend on food for their family, compared with a national average of £76.

Sharon, a single parent from Glasgow, said: “I try not to talk about money too much with my kids but they’re very aware that I struggle for money.”

Sara, a mother living in poverty in Edinburgh, said: “I’m always trying to explain to my kids that I’m skint and I’m not being nasty to have to say no all the time. ”

Douglas Hamilton, head of Save the Children in Scotland, said: “It’s inexcusable this is happening in Scotland in 2012.

“Given that nearly half of children living in poverty in Scotland have at least one parent in work, it is truly appalling those parents can’t earn enough to give themselves and their kids a decent life.”